Thursday, October 28, 2010

Questionnaire from the Alibi -- Mark Curtis Responds

not a professional politician. not the incumbent. have some appreciation of the limits of government.

What should be done to address ethics reform and transparency?

would support strengthening of limits on gifts and favors. mostly, voters need to choose candidates who have higher standards. we can't really legislate ethical behavior.

How can we balance the state's budget?

limit growth in expenditures. reduce employee numbers by 15-20 %. pay state employees no better than private sector. tighter controls on state benefits.

Should New Mexico allow domestic partnerships for same-sex couples?

what over-riding interest does the state have in limiting them? civil law is quite capable of handling questions of joint property and child custody. once an "M" corporation license is issued, the partnered persons are espoused. "marriage" ceremonies can be performed at the discretion of the various institutions.

Do you favor rehabilitation instead of jail time for nonviolent drug offenders?

nonviolent drug offenders: what is the states interest in choice of recreational activities? most of the social problems associated with recreational drug use derive from its illegality. we have public and private programs for problem drinkers and gamblers. why criminal penalties for drug users?

What do you think of the state's film initiatives?

I like to have films produced here and am not, for now, opposed to temporary tax rebates. I would much prefer that we create a more business friendly regulatory and tax structure for all businesses.

How can we improve public education?

the states virtual monopoly on primary and secondary education is at the root of our education problems. initially, a program of "backpack" vouchers that would follow the student to whatever institution their parents choose would provide funding for the most capable instructors to establish their own schools. eventually, most students would attend private schools.

Should New Mexico change its laws surrounding immigration?

I do not approve of issuing state drivers licenses to undocumented aliens. there is an international drivers license for temporary visitors. at the national level, immigration quotas should be increased substantially. movement across the borders for temporary employment purposes should be easy to reduce the incentive to bring family to the relatively high cost of living states.

What kind of infrastructure improvements does your district require?

do you mean "what kind of pork will you bring to your district"? None. the city or county could spend quite a bit on old water and sewer lines and some of the streets and curbs are in need of repair or replacement but, I don't see these as legitimate state issues.

What issues do your constituents care about most?

beyond education, I have no idea. most of our discussions have been about runaway state and federal spending and the growing federal interference in matters rightfully left to the states, like education.